Reflux Disease
Reflux Treatment and Surgery Options in Chicago
About Acid Reflux and Treatment Options
Reflux occurs when the acid that is normally in your stomach backs up into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This acid reflux commonly causes heartburn (burning in the chest) or regurgitation (when acid and undigested food flow back into your throat or mouth).
When acid reflux causes damage to the esophagus, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Aside from discomfort, GERD can cause a variety of conditions ranging from pneumonia, strictures and problems swallowing, or even cancer. GERD is treated with lifestyle changes, medications and sometimes surgery. Surveillance with an upper endoscopy may be necessary to ensure that the condition is improving.
Acid Reflux Surgical Procedures
While some patients may see improvement as a result of lifestyle changes or medications, other patients may require an acid reflux operation to treat GERD. Stomach surgery for acid reflux, or antireflux surgery, is called for when alternate treatment options have not helped. During surgery, a portion of the stomach is wrapped around the bottom of the esophagus to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) valve. This procedure is known as fundoplication and is undertaken to reinforce the LES, recreating the barrier that prevents reflux.
Choose the Chicago Institute of Advanced Surgery
Our skilled and caring surgeons offer a variety of treatment options for patients suffering from GERD. If non-surgical options are ineffective and you need an acid reflux operation, you’re in good hands at the Chicago Institute of Advanced Surgery. We perform this surgery via a minimally invasive technique known as laparoscopy, which reduces pain, results in smaller scars, lowers the risk of infection, and gets you out of the hospital and back to your life quickly.